Customer gifts shouldn’t be economic casualties
New York — Small business owners with cash flow problems might be tempted during yet another difficult holiday season to forgo gifts for clients or customers. Many look at gifts as budget items that just aren’t critical.
There’s another, bigger-picture way to look at business giving. Gifts selected with care convey to customers how important they are, and how much an owner will continue to value their relationship going forward.
They also don’t have to break the bank. They can be very small but still be meaningful. Or an owner can splurge on just a few of his or her biggest customers.
Many company owners see holiday gifts as an investment in their companies, one that will continue to pay off as business gets better.
Even in a difficult economy, Terri Slater doesn’t think it’s a good idea to stint on client gifts.
